Care UK has opened the doors of its first care home in Dorset - Ferndown Manor.
Councillor Mike Parkes, Mayor of Ferndown, cut the ribbon and officially opened the care home, with the help of the home’s first resident, Mrs June Judd. Guests were also treated to a special performance from the pupils’ choir of Ferndown First Primary School.
Demand for places at the luxurious home has been strong. Able to accommodate up to 75 people, the home has been designed to maximise natural light with large windows. Dementia-friendly design has been factored into all aspects of the home, from lighting and colour schemes to signage and layout.
The design of the home has divided it into smaller communities, with each floor having its own dining room and lounge areas. This layout has been proven to help residents who are living with dementia to feel more secure as they prefer familiar faces and fewer disruptions. There is also a coffee shop, hair salon, cinema and beautiful landscaped gardens designed with scope for residents to get involved in caring for the flowers and shrubs.
At the opening event the home’s head chef, Scott Moore, held a special cooking demonstration, while the lifestyle lead, Sue Mudie, got guests involved in arts and craft activities.
Mehdi Bedioui was on hand demonstrate the Tovertafel Magic Table, an interactive light game designed for people living with dementia, and Harry Worth, chairman of the Dementia Friendly Ferndown Steering Group took part in planting herbs in the homes raised beds with visitors and residents. Harpist, Siona Stockel, was also in attendance to provide entertainment throughout the day.
Ferndown Manor home manager, Janet Lewis, says: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Ferndown to officially open the home and mark this important milestone. We would also like to thank the children from Ferndown First Primary School, Mehdi Bedjoui, the Dementia Friendly Ferndown Steering Group, and Siona Stockel for helping to make this such a special day.
“The residents and their families are at the heart of everything we do, including the launch celebrations, and it was an enjoyable day for all. It was fantastic to welcome so many local people and special guests to Ferndown Manor. Our grand launch really was a day to remember.”
